US11378437B2 - Fluid level gauge or reservoir with built-in light source - Google Patents
Fluid level gauge or reservoir with built-in light source Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US11378437B2 US11378437B2 US16/984,589 US202016984589A US11378437B2 US 11378437 B2 US11378437 B2 US 11378437B2 US 202016984589 A US202016984589 A US 202016984589A US 11378437 B2 US11378437 B2 US 11378437B2
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sensor
- source
- illumination
- transparent tube
- communication
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/80—Arrangements for signal processing
- G01F23/802—Particular electronic circuits for digital processing equipment
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/02—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by gauge glasses or other apparatus involving a window or transparent tube for directly observing the level to be measured or the level of a liquid column in free communication with the main body of the liquid
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16J—PISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
- F16J15/00—Sealings
- F16J15/002—Sealings comprising at least two sealings in succession
- F16J15/004—Sealings comprising at least two sealings in succession forming of recuperation chamber for the leaking fluid
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/0046—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm with a stationary probe, where a liquid specimen is separated from the mean mass and measured
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/04—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by dip members, e.g. dip-sticks
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/30—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by floats
- G01F23/64—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by floats of the free float type without mechanical transmission elements
- G01F23/72—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by floats of the free float type without mechanical transmission elements using magnetically actuated indicating means
- G01F23/74—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by floats of the free float type without mechanical transmission elements using magnetically actuated indicating means for sensing changes in level only at discrete points
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F25/00—Testing or calibration of apparatus for measuring volume, volume flow or liquid level or for metering by volume
- G01F25/10—Testing or calibration of apparatus for measuring volume, volume flow or liquid level or for metering by volume of flowmeters
- G01F25/17—Testing or calibration of apparatus for measuring volume, volume flow or liquid level or for metering by volume of flowmeters using calibrated reservoirs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/80—Arrangements for signal processing
- G01F23/806—Particular electronic circuits for handling non-digital processing equipment
- G01F23/808—Particular electronic circuits for handling non-digital processing equipment containing circuits handling parameters other than liquid level
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to devices that illuminate fluid level verification gauges which are operable to measure the amount of fluid present in a fluid container such as a tank, machine, or other article of manufacture and more specifically, devices where the source of illumination is integrated with the fluid level gauge as a single unit and activated by a sensor that detects movement such as the presence of a person.
- the present invention relates generally to devices that illuminate fluid reservoirs which are operative to dispense fluids, such as lubricants to a machine or article of manufacture.
- the source of illumination is integrated with the fluid reservoir as a single unit and activated by a sensor that detects movement such as the presence of a person.
- Fluid level verification devices are known in the art.
- a fluid level verification device provides for an inspection tube having an interior conduit dimensioned to create an interference fit with an o-ring used to hermetically seal the inspection tube to one or more end members.
- a more common fluid level verification device in the art provides for an inspection tube whereby both ends incorporate grooving and o-rings that seal with opposing end members to isolate the inspection tube from the environment.
- a fluid level verification device in the art may also provide for an external shield positioned about the inspection tube to protect it from damage.
- Illuminating a fluid level verification apparatus is also known in the art.
- the prior art describes a lighting assembly that aids in the visual indication of the fluid level in a container by utilizing fiber optic light cables in combination with a gas filled light source to illuminate the transparent fluid level indication viewing window.
- Another fluid level verification apparatus in the prior art provides for a separate backlighting illumination apparatus that attaches to sight glasses that indicate fluid level or flow.
- Yet another fluid level verification apparatus in the prior art provides a liquid level gauge having a chamber connected to a tank containing a liquid, a transparent member in the wall of the chamber, a light transmitting transparent rod extending through the chamber, and a light source shining rays of light into the rod from the exterior.
- reservoirs for containing and dispensing fluids, such as lubricants.
- One common prior art reservoir uses a cylindrical or rectangular container with a screw on top cover.
- Another typical prior art reservoir utilizes a top end plate, a bottom end plate, a cylindrical body and a centrally located tie rod to secure the end plates to each end of the cylindrical body. It is critical that these reservoirs have sufficient levels of liquid, such as a lubricant within the reservoir and that these reservoirs are refilled before reaching an empty condition.
- Prior art has successfully introduced the ability to verify the fluid level in fluid level gauges and reservoirs in dark or dimly lit environments through various illumination devices.
- sources of illumination that are integral to the fluid level gauge
- no integral sources of illumination are coupled with a sensor that actives the source of illumination by the detection of motion or another non-contact means.
- the current sources of illumination embodied in the prior art require either indefinite activation of a light source or activation through a manual switching mechanism. Therefore, a need exists for a fluid level verification apparatus with an integral source of illumination coupled with an activating sensor that detects the presence of a foreign body or movement.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid level verification apparatus with a source of illumination that is integrated with the apparatus as a single unit.
- a fluid level verification apparatus with a source of illumination that is activated by a sensing mechanism commonly known in the art to detect movement caused, for example by the presence of a person.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid level verification apparatus with an integral, sensor activated source of illumination.
- Yet another object of the present invention its to provide a fluid level verification apparatus with a source of illumination that is activated by a sensing mechanism commonly known in the art to detect the presence of a person, with a source of illumination that is integrated with the apparatus as a single unit, in communication with a fluid tank or container.
- the fluid level verification apparatus for a fluid container having a light source capable of being activated by a person comprises a transparent tube defining a fluid passage, chamber, or void having oppositely disposed ends; a pair of longitudinally spaced apart end members, the respective end members, each having a cylindrical projection extending therefrom in facing and axially aligned relationship with the transparent tube; an integral, internal source of illumination within one of the end members, that illuminates the transparent tube; a sensor to detect the presence or movement of a foreign body; the sensor mechanically integrated with one of the end members; a power source integrated internally within one of the end members; said sensor coupled with the source of illumination in order to activate the source of illumination upon detection of the presence of the foreign body.
- the source of illumination may comprise a light emitting diode.
- the sensor may be a motion sensor.
- a support or protective member having at least one wall may surround the transparent tube. The support member may be in communication with the respective end members.
- An electronics assembly may be electronically coupled to the power source, the sensor, and the source of illumination.
- the electronics assembly may include a timer for turning off the source of illumination after a pre-set time. Alternatively, the source of illumination may turn off upon a failure to sense motion adjacent the apparatus.
- an improved fluid level verification apparatus having a tubular transparent tube, and a pair of longitudinally spaced apart end members, comprises an integral, internal source of illumination within one of said end members, that illuminates the transparent tube; a sensor to detect the presence of a foreign body; the sensor mechanically integrated with one of the end members; a power source integrated internally within one of said end members; an electronics assembly electronically in communication with the power source, the sensor, and the source of illumination; the sensor coupled with the source of illumination in order to activate the source of illumination upon detection of the presence of the foreign body.
- the source of illumination may comprise a light emitting diode.
- the sensor may be a motion sensor.
- a support member may have at least one wall surrounding the transparent tube. The support member may be in communication with said respective end members.
- the power source may comprise a battery.
- a fluid reservoir having an integrated light source capable of being activated by a foreign body the apparatus and reservoir comprise a reservoir tank, the reservoir tank having a wall separating opposed first and second ends; at least one opening in a first end of the reservoir tank; the at least one opening able to receive an apparatus having; a housing; an integral, internal source of illumination disposed within the housing that illuminates the reservoir tank; a sensor to detect the presence of the foreign body; the sensor mechanically integrated with the housing; a power source integrated internally within the housing; the sensor in communication with the source of illumination in order to activate the source of illumination upon detection of the presence of the foreign body.
- the source of illumination may comprise a light emitting diode.
- the sensor may be a motion sensor.
- An electronics subassembly electronically may be in communication with the power source, the sensor, and the source of illumination.
- the power source may comprise a battery.
- FIG. 1 is a prospective view of a first embodiment of the present invention, as it would appear in the environment.
- FIG. 2 is a side longitudinal sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention taken along line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a front elevated view of the first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional fragmentary view of the first embodiment of the present invention showing in detail an end member with a sensor, LED light, and electronics assembly.
- FIG. 5 is a longitudinal fragmentary view of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the end member opposite that shown in FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 6 is a side view of a reservoir tank in communication with a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a partial top view of the reservoir tank in communication with the second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional fragmentary view of the second embodiment of the present invention showing in detail an end member with a sensor, LED light, and electronics assembly.
- FIGS. 1 and 3 there is illustrated a first embodiment of an apparatus 11 utilizing a transparent tube 10 .
- the transparent tube 10 is encased and supported by a support member 12 .
- a pair of end members, or end blocks 14 and 19 are depicted. Both the first end block 14 and the second end block 19 have six sides.
- First end block 14 contains an illumination assembly 75 which is potted into the first end block 14 .
- the illumination assembly 75 within first end block 14 will be later described.
- the illumination assembly 75 includes a motion sensor subassembly 22 which activates a LED lamp 46 .
- the first threaded cap 16 and second threaded cap 18 are separate and distinct from one another and each end cap threads into end blocks 14 and 19 respectively.
- the transparent tube 10 in protected from the environment by the support member 12 .
- the ends of the support member 12 extend longitudinally beyond ends of the transparent tube 10 . Opening 35 in the support member 12 allows transparent tube 10 to be visible while still being protected by support member 12 .
- first threaded cap 16 has an inwardly facing threaded shank 74 .
- the threaded portion 73 of first threaded cap 16 threads into first end block 14 .
- first end block 14 is scaled by the compression of seal 70 into annular groove 72 formed in first end block 14 .
- First threaded cap 16 houses a spring battery terminal 32 which contacts one of the batteries 28 as it is axially compressed and held in position within first end block 14 .
- second threaded cap 18 has an inwardly facing threaded shank 74 .
- the threaded portion 73 of second threaded cap 18 threads into second end block 19 , second threaded cap 18 to second end block 19 .
- second end block 19 is sealed by the compression of seal 70 into annular groove 72 formed in support member 12
- first end block 14 and second end block 19 are adapted with cylindrical projections extending centrally to receive the distal ends of transparent tube 10 , which is then placed longitudinally inside of the support member 12 .
- the transparent tube 10 is connected in fluid flowing relation to an object of interest, such as a tank (not shown).
- the ends of transparent tube 10 fittingly contact seal 36 and compression seal 76 to prevent fluid leakage.
- the respective fasteners 20 comprise a smooth surface 40 , a threaded, exterior facing surface 42 , and a channel 44 . Interposed on the smooth surface 40 at a right angle is a fluid passageway 48 .
- the fasteners 20 are arranged to be seated into passageway 58 of first end block 14 and second end block 19 .
- Seals 56 and 65 are fittingly placed around the smooth surface 40 of fastener 20 and seated into annular grooves 54 and 67 respectively to prevent fluid leakage through the passageway 58 . So connected, the compression exerted on the respective fastener 20 compresses the seal 56 against the face of the first end block 14 , thus facilitating a hermetic closure. Similarly, the seal 65 resting on the fastener 20 at the junction of the threaded, exterior facing surface 42 and the smooth surface 40 is compressed at the annular groove 67 creating a hermetic closure of the seal 65 , the annular groove 67 , and passageway 58 of the end blocks 14 and 19 . Seal 65 also seals against the tank surface (not shown) to prevent leakage around the threaded, exterior facing surface 42 when the fluid level verification apparatus is mounted to the tank.
- Fluid dispensed from and returning to the object of interest flows through the fastener 20 by means of the channel 44 and fluid passageway 48 .
- Two unblocked passageways are shown in FIG. 2 between the passageway 58 of the end blocks 14 and 19 , the fluid passageways 48 of the smooth surfaces 40 , the first components 62 and 61 , and a fluid passage, chamber, or void 64 passing through the transparent tube 10 .
- Fluid enters the first component 61 of second end block 19 , and fills the fluid passage, chamber, or void 64 of the inspection sight tube member 10 to the liquid level of the tank supporting the transparent tube 10 .
- second end block 19 comprises a threaded fastener 82 having a threaded 78 and chamfered 68 portion that threadingly engages with second end block 19 , and sits between smooth surface 40 of fastener 20 and transparent tube 10 .
- Transparent tube 10 compresses compression seal 76 against threaded fastener 82 to prevent fluid leakage out of the apparatus.
- First component 61 in threaded fastener 82 mates fittingly with fluid passageway 48 of fastener 20 .
- First component 61 has a reduced diameter 60 and chamfered portion 68 accommodates compression of compression seal 76 for hermetic sealing.
- a first end block 14 accommodates an illumination assembly 75 with a motion sensor subassembly 22 , an electronics subassembly 34 , a LED lamp 46 , batteries 28 housed within a battery cup 27 , and a spring battery terminal 32 .
- Motion sensor 26 detects the presence of a foreign body, signaling the electronics subassembly 34 , which is powered by batteries 28 , to activate light emitting diode (LED) lamp 46 .
- LED light emitting diode
- the electronics subassembly 34 may contain a timing circuit incorporated therein to control the switching of LED lamp 46 .
- the motion sensor subassembly 22 consists of a lens 24 which is adhesively mounted superficially above the motion sensor 26 , which is adhesively mounted into opening 50 in first end block 14 .
- Motion sensor 26 is electrically wired to electronics subassembly 34
- electronics sub assembly 34 is wired to its power source, such as batteries 28 , by positive node 30 and ground wire 38 .
- Positive node 30 is seated into an opening in battery cup 27 to contact batteries 28 .
- Ground wire 38 contacts the inside surface of block 14 which is housed centrally within first threaded cap 16 and faces inward toward the batteries 28 .
- LED lamp 46 is attached to electronics subassembly 34 by LED wires 80 .
- the LED wires 80 extend centrally inward into transparent tube 10 by traveling adjacent to smooth surface 40 of fastener 20 and further through first component 62 of first end block 14 .
- Electronics subassembly 34 is securely potted in channel 13 of first end block 14 with potting compound 15 .
- the transparent tube 10 may be manufactured from glass. However, various substrates such as nylon, polycarbonate, or other synthetic materials may be used. While shown to be cylindrical in shape, it is conceivable that, other fluid passage, chamber, or void cross-sectional configurations could be utilized.
- the support member 12 and the end blocks 14 and 19 may be manufactured from steel, or other metals with similar qualities.
- a second embodiment of the apparatus 11 is applied to a reservoir tank 84 .
- the reservoir tank comprises a wall 90 separating an opposed first end 86 and second end 88 .
- a least one opening (not illustrated in the figures) in the first end 86 of the reservoir tank 90 receives the second embodiment of the apparatus 11 .
- the second embodiment of the apparatus 11 is preferably in mechanical communication with the reservoir tank 84 through the projection 69 .
- the second embodiment of the apparatus 11 may be in moldable communication with the reservoir tank 84 .
- the second embodiment of the apparatus 11 may be in adhesive communication with the reservoir tank 84 .
- the second embodiment of the apparatus 11 is in communication with the top side 89 of the first end 86 , where the top side 89 is not facing the interior cavity of the reservoir tank 84 .
- the second embodiment, of the apparatus 11 communicates with the top side 89 in a manner which provides for a portion of the second embodiment of the apparatus 11 to extend from the top side 89 through the first end thickness and resides within the interior cavity of the reservoir rank 84 and a portion of the second embodiment of the apparatus 11 resides exterior from the reservoir tank 84 .
- the second embodiment of the apparatus 11 comprises one end member, a second embodiment of the first end block 14 .
- the second embodiment of the first end block 14 contains an illumination assembly 75 which is potted into the second embodiment of the first end block 14 .
- the illumination assembly 75 within the second embodiment of the first end block 14 will be later described.
- the illumination assembly 75 includes a motion sensor subassembly 22 which activates a light source such as LED lamp 46 .
- a first threaded cap 16 threads into the second embodiment of the end blocks 14 .
- the first threaded cap 16 has an inwardly facing threaded shank 74 .
- the threaded portion 73 of first threaded cap 16 threads into first end block 14 , first threaded cap 16 to first end block 14 .
- first end block 14 is sealed by the compression of seal 70 into annular groove 72 formed in first end block 14 .
- First threaded cap 16 houses a spring battery terminal 32 which contacts one of the batteries 28 as it is axially compressed and secured onto first end block 14 .
- First end block 14 is adapted with a projection 69 extending centrally for insertion into the opening 87 of the first end 86 of the reservoir tank 84 .
- the projection 69 includes a groove 101 that retains an O-ring 100 .
- O-ring 100 has an interference fit with the opening or clearance hole 87 formed in first end 86 of reservoir tank 84 .
- a first end block 14 accommodates an illumination assembly 75 with a motion sensor subassembly 22 , an electronics subassembly 34 a LED lamp 46 , batteries 28 housed within a battery cup 27 , and a spring battery terminal 32 .
- Motion sensor 26 detects the presence of a foreign body, signaling the electronics subassembly 34 , which is powered by batteries 28 , to activate light emitting diode (LED) lamp 46 .
- LED light emitting diode
- the electronics subassembly 34 may contain a timing circuit to control the switching of LED lamp 46 .
- the motion sensor subassembly 22 consists of a lens 24 which is adhesively mounted superficially above the motion sensor itself 26 , which is adhesively mounted into opening 50 in first end block 14 .
- Motion sensor 26 is electrically wired to electronics subassembly 34
- electronics subassembly 34 is wired to its power source, batteries 28 , by positive node 30 and ground wire 38 .
- Positive node 30 is seated into an opening in battery cup 27 to contact batteries 28 .
- Ground wire 33 contacts the inside surface of block 14 which is housed centrally within first threaded cap 16 and faces inward toward the batteries 28 .
- LED lamp 46 is attached to electronics subassembly 34 by LED wires 80 .
- the LED wires 80 extend centrally through component 99 of second embodiment of the first end block 14 and beyond the second embodiment of the first end block 14 .
- Electronics subassembly 34 is securely potted in channel 13 of first end block 14 with potting compound 15 .
- the first end block 14 may be manufactured from steel, or other metals with similar malleable qualities.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)
- Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims (14)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/984,589 US11378437B2 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2020-08-04 | Fluid level gauge or reservoir with built-in light source |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/851,243 US10732019B2 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2017-12-21 | Fluid level gauge or reservoir with built-in light source |
US16/984,589 US11378437B2 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2020-08-04 | Fluid level gauge or reservoir with built-in light source |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US15/851,243 Continuation US10732019B2 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2017-12-21 | Fluid level gauge or reservoir with built-in light source |
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US20200363254A1 US20200363254A1 (en) | 2020-11-19 |
US11378437B2 true US11378437B2 (en) | 2022-07-05 |
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US15/851,243 Active 2038-10-10 US10732019B2 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2017-12-21 | Fluid level gauge or reservoir with built-in light source |
US16/984,589 Active 2037-12-23 US11378437B2 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2020-08-04 | Fluid level gauge or reservoir with built-in light source |
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US15/851,243 Active 2038-10-10 US10732019B2 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2017-12-21 | Fluid level gauge or reservoir with built-in light source |
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Citations (17)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US1979982A (en) | 1933-05-20 | 1934-11-06 | Wright Austin Company | Gauge glass illuminator |
US2109348A (en) | 1936-08-03 | 1938-02-22 | Alva G Blanchard | Illuminated boiler water level gauge |
US2154819A (en) | 1936-08-22 | 1939-04-18 | Mcclain John | Gauge glass illuminating device |
US2246464A (en) | 1940-03-18 | 1941-06-17 | Schutte & Koerting Company | Luminous scale rotameter |
US2369798A (en) | 1944-07-31 | 1945-02-20 | Diamond Power Speciality | Water gauge |
US2450267A (en) | 1946-10-17 | 1948-09-28 | Nathan Mfg Co | Water gauge |
US2484329A (en) | 1949-10-11 | Water gauge | ||
US2514570A (en) | 1949-12-31 | 1950-07-11 | Nathan Mfg Co | Liquid level gauge |
US2585104A (en) | 1947-12-10 | 1952-02-12 | Nathan Mfg Co | Water gauge |
US3405261A (en) | 1966-07-11 | 1968-10-08 | Jacoby Tarbox Corp | Sight glass illuminator |
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US6532815B2 (en) | 2000-06-20 | 2003-03-18 | Oil-Rite Corporation | Fluid level verification apparatus |
US6676271B2 (en) | 2002-03-08 | 2004-01-13 | Sunbeam Products, Inc. | Humidifier with lighted tank |
US6964278B2 (en) | 2004-04-20 | 2005-11-15 | Thomas Tschanz | Non-invasive gauge glass liquid level sensor apparatus |
US20180128669A1 (en) | 2016-11-07 | 2018-05-10 | Kepco Engineering And Construction Company, Inc. | Indication type level indicator including total reflection prism |
US11069929B1 (en) * | 2016-05-24 | 2021-07-20 | NDSL, Inc. | Apparatuses and methods for optically monitoring fluid level in a container, such as a battery, using a non-contact optical detector on an outside surface of the container |
-
2017
- 2017-12-21 US US15/851,243 patent/US10732019B2/en active Active
-
2020
- 2020-08-04 US US16/984,589 patent/US11378437B2/en active Active
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US2484329A (en) | 1949-10-11 | Water gauge | ||
US1979982A (en) | 1933-05-20 | 1934-11-06 | Wright Austin Company | Gauge glass illuminator |
US2109348A (en) | 1936-08-03 | 1938-02-22 | Alva G Blanchard | Illuminated boiler water level gauge |
US2154819A (en) | 1936-08-22 | 1939-04-18 | Mcclain John | Gauge glass illuminating device |
US2246464A (en) | 1940-03-18 | 1941-06-17 | Schutte & Koerting Company | Luminous scale rotameter |
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US5323653A (en) | 1993-03-08 | 1994-06-28 | Oil-Rite Corporation | Fluid level detection apparatus |
US5645336A (en) | 1995-05-12 | 1997-07-08 | Clark-Reliance Corporation | Illuminated fluid level indicator |
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US6532815B2 (en) | 2000-06-20 | 2003-03-18 | Oil-Rite Corporation | Fluid level verification apparatus |
US6676271B2 (en) | 2002-03-08 | 2004-01-13 | Sunbeam Products, Inc. | Humidifier with lighted tank |
US6964278B2 (en) | 2004-04-20 | 2005-11-15 | Thomas Tschanz | Non-invasive gauge glass liquid level sensor apparatus |
US11069929B1 (en) * | 2016-05-24 | 2021-07-20 | NDSL, Inc. | Apparatuses and methods for optically monitoring fluid level in a container, such as a battery, using a non-contact optical detector on an outside surface of the container |
US20180128669A1 (en) | 2016-11-07 | 2018-05-10 | Kepco Engineering And Construction Company, Inc. | Indication type level indicator including total reflection prism |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
Oil-Rite Corporation, News Release "Liquid Level Illumination" dated May 12, 2017; 2 pages. |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US10732019B2 (en) | 2020-08-04 |
US20190195672A1 (en) | 2019-06-27 |
US20200363254A1 (en) | 2020-11-19 |
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